2023 NFL DRAFT: JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA

By John Mesenbrink

Ohio State University (JR), WR

Perhaps not the best draft for wideouts to go early in round 1, this former Buckeye is at the top of this list. As a sophomore at Ohio State, Smith-Njigba accumulated 1,606 receiving yards with 95 receptions, on a team that also featured Chis Olave and Garrett Wilson. And while Ohio State keeps churning out great receivers, Olave and Wilson opted out for the draft last year, and Smith-Njigba still went off in the Rose Bowl against Utah — 15 Rec., 347 yards and 3 TDs. He was limited for the 2022 season with a hamstring injury. The buzz around draft war rooms is that Smith-Njigba could be one of the top 2 WRs taken off the board. Once he learns the NFL playbook, and remains healthy, the sky’s the limit.

Pluses:

• When healthy, he produces
• Strong Pro Day
• Fluid hips
• Productive slot receiver
• Strong, soft hands

Concerns:

• Health
• Limited college experience
• Can he play outside? (played 83% of his snaps out slot)
• Separation anxiety
• Dropsies